[BK 22]

I just wanted to get everyone’s reviews that opted for the 2.5 ICE Tucson, instead of the hybrid model.
Did you do it because of availability/pricing? Worries about a first year hybrid and it’s reliability?
How to you like? Better or worse than what you drove before?

 

[Tucspouse]

I just wanted to get everyone’s reviews that opted for the 2.5 ICE Tucson, instead of the hybrid model.
Did you do it because of availability/pricing? Yes, to the availability. Our state does not even get EVes, so that only 'concentrated' and increased demand of the rest of the alt. fuel buyers over to the hybrids. Our kids were ganging up on their mommie to go with their X-er / Millennial-favoring hybrid, AND with the added mandate that she should do a 'painless fast easy' lease. Hybrids were non-existant here at the beginning of the year and with 6-8 month waits, plus charming stories of orders getting 'disappeared' and going to higher bidders, - plus auctions at the dealer lots while still on the car carrier. Funny stories and certain none of them true.
Worries about a first year hybrid and it’s reliability? A big YES on the 1st Model Year - but pertaining only to the powerplant. The rest of the total redesign for the driveline/tech/styling/amenities did not strike as much as 'untested' and that we'd be beta-testers. The chip shortage ended up more a factor of scarcity more for Hybrid/EV, but also struck me as a future issue for weeding out bugs through this year and next.
How to you like? She's in heaven, so I get to feel the 'husband's done his job.' Roomy, clean crisp outside and in to suit her style, and what appears as smart quality systems and fit n finish to impress me.
Better or worse than what you drove before? Below

Replies inserted. Perhaps the biggest unstated feature is the high potential for longterm (I mean longterm) dependability and performance with proper care and maintenance. There's NOTHING to indicate 'cheap' with the interior, body or mech./elec. design that jeopardizes being able to rely on this rig for the same 20 years as her prior Mazda Tribute. Which BTW just went to her sister. And this Tucson immediately took over her long-running crush on Subaru and Mazda the moment she became aware of the new re-design. What sealed the deal was the warranty (I admit it's not too shabby) and at initially the 'Free Maintenance', at least until I showed her how worthless and non-existent that ends up being. And it's got a real engine and a real 8-sp. tranny, and when I got under one it was apparent someone had taken the time to catch and design out common suspension and chassis weaklinks.

Finally, while EV is the future, her driving habits and low yearly mileage demands simply do not make a brain-dead business case for the added characteristics and requirements behind operating one. That doesn't mean I'm not roughing in a 100-amp dedicated branch circuit for future charging while I'm finishing out the garage though.

 

[BK 22]

Replies inserted. Perhaps the biggest unstated feature is the high potential for longterm (I mean longterm) dependability and performance with proper care and maintenance. There's NOTHING to indicate 'cheap' with the interior, body or mech./elec. design that jeopardizes being able to rely on this rig for the same 20 years as her prior Mazda Tribute. Which BTW just went to her sister. And this Tucson immediately took over her long-running crush on Subaru and Mazda the moment she became aware of the new re-design. What sealed the deal was the warranty (I admit it's not too shabby) and at initially the 'Free Maintenance', at least until I showed her how worthless and non-existent that ends up being. And it's got a real engine and a real 8-sp. tranny, and when I got under one it was apparent someone had taken the time to catch and design out common suspension and chassis weaklinks.

Finally, while EV is the future, her driving habits and low yearly mileage demands simply do not make a brain-dead business case for the added characteristics and requirements behind operating one. That doesn't mean I'm not roughing in a 100-amp dedicated branch circuit for future charging while I'm finishing out the garage though.

Just curious, when you mentioned the free maintenance being worthless and non-existent, what are you referring to in that statement. I stated you liked the 2.5? Did I mis-read something?

 

[doug725]

I may have gone with a hybrid had one been available anytime in this century. That said, I'm quite happy with the ICE 2.5. I find it smooth, quiet, and plenty powerful enough for me. And the mileage has been fantastic for me - I'm averaging 34.5 mpg overall. On some trips with lots of highway driving, I've averaged 38.4 mpg. Just cruising on the highway I've been getting more than 50 mpg on the instant readout. Better than a lot of the hybrids I'm hearing about. Plus, with the start/stop feature it's technically a mild hybrid anyway.

 

[Tucspouse]

Just curious, when you mentioned the free maintenance being worthless and non-existent, what are you referring to in that statement. I stated you liked the 2.5? Did I mis-read something?

My 'worthless and non-existent' editorializing surrounding the free maint. program overall is that its literally nothing more than merely providing $35 in oil and a $12 filter cartridge, I recall every 7,000 miles for a maximum of 5 times in the 3 years. Here's the promotion:
• Engine oil and oil filter changes
• Tire rotations
• Multi-point inspection. Does not cover services or repairs listed as “inspect” in the Owner’s Manual
• Normal Maintenance Schedule Intervals only. Any additional maintenance due to severe driving is the customer’s responsibility
• Normal wear and tear items such as engine and air filters, cabin filter, wiper blades, brake pads, etc. are not covered
• Any recommended services and inspections outside of oil and oil filter changes, and tire rotations will be subject to charge

I do appreciate that many owners' situations are different and that this level of maintenance is perceived as satisfactory and the service as valued. I will be doing all maintenance myself so that the covered material costs involved wind up little more than a pittance over the span of the promotion. My emphasis was by even discounting Hyundai's '3-Year Free Maintenance Program' that their warranty and relatively straightforward drive-train design were more than ample to favor the ICE over either hybrid.

 

[BK 22]

My 'worthless and non-existent' editorializing surrounding the free maint. program overall is that its literally nothing more than merely providing $35 in oil and a $12 filter cartridge, I recall every 7,000 miles for a maximum of 5 times in the 3 years. Here's the promotion:
• Engine oil and oil filter changes
• Tire rotations
• Multi-point inspection. Does not cover services or repairs listed as “inspect” in the Owner’s Manual
• Normal Maintenance Schedule Intervals only. Any additional maintenance due to severe driving is the customer’s responsibility
• Normal wear and tear items such as engine and air filters, cabin filter, wiper blades, brake pads, etc. are not covered
• Any recommended services and inspections outside of oil and oil filter changes, and tire rotations will be subject to charge

I do appreciate that many owners' situations are different and that this level of maintenance is perceived as satisfactory and the service as valued. I will be doing all maintenance myself so that the covered material costs involved wind up little more than a pittance over the span of the promotion. My emphasis was by even discounting Hyundai's '3-Year Free Maintenance Program' that their warranty and relatively straightforward drive-train design were more than ample to favor the ICE over either hybrid.

I do value you taking the maintenance responsibilities for Tucson. So many of us, me included, are pretty clueless, especially when I pop the hood! You’ll probably get many great years with you SUV and positive attitude! Keep up the fight!

 

[lisai9093]

I choose ICE just because it has lower starting price for the base model. Imo simpler is better in term of maintenance cost and reliability. I might choose hybrid if I drive much more miles per year, again for the same economical reason.

 

[BK 22]

Replies inserted. Perhaps the biggest unstated feature is the high potential for longterm (I mean longterm) dependability and performance with proper care and maintenance. There's NOTHING to indicate 'cheap' with the interior, body or mech./elec. design that jeopardizes being able to rely on this rig for the same 20 years as her prior Mazda Tribute. Which BTW just went to her sister. And this Tucson immediately took over her long-running crush on Subaru and Mazda the moment she became aware of the new re-design. What sealed the deal was the warranty (I admit it's not too shabby) and at initially the 'Free Maintenance', at least until I showed her how worthless and non-existent that ends up being. And it's got a real engine and a real 8-sp. tranny, and when I got under one it was apparent someone had taken the time to catch and design out common suspension and chassis weaklinks.

Finally, while EV is the future, her driving habits and low yearly mileage demands simply do not make a brain-dead business case for the added characteristics and requirements behind operating one. That doesn't mean I'm not roughing in a 100-amp dedicated branch circuit for future charging while I'm finishing out the garage though.

I have to agree with the build quality of our Limited. The interior is really in a class by itself! Had a neighbor buy a ‘21 Tucson. It was like his was from 10 years ago. In comparison to the Outback we traded, its fabulous (there I go, gushing again ). Our Outback has a new entertainment/HVAC unit. It was glitchy and slow. Constantly crashes and gad to reboot. Ours acts like it was designed by Lexus! The interior design is second to none. Sure, the capacitive buttons take a little getting use to, but still a great configuration.

 

[rabinimray]

I am going with ICE because there are no hybrids where I am. If one shows up on a dealer site it is already spoken for.
I said "going for" because I don't have it yet. It is "in route" and was due 5/14, then 5/16, then 5/18 so one and so forth, changing every 2 days to another 2 days.
The most current state was due 5/28, and today it moved to 5/30....like clockwork.
I have put my VIN in the tracker so many times I have it memorized.

But, it seems to be a thing for all dealerships in my area.
Of the 5 dealerships within 50 miles of me, none of them have any Tuscons, they are all "In Transit", with dates that keep changing like mine.

It will be here....eventually....and it will be glorious.

 

[Tucspouse]

Not applicable as much for ICE which I understand all get assembled stateside, but current trucking volumes coupled with trucker shortages are likely causing a choke-point from Alabama to the destined dealer. When ordering on Valentine's Day we were given "3 to 5 months current projection". It showed up at dealer just after 2 months and a day. Not rubbing it in , just showing how variable things are.

 

[BK 22]

I am going with ICE because there are no hybrids where I am. If one shows up on a dealer site it is already spoken for.
I said "going for" because I don't have it yet. It is "in route" and was due 5/14, then 5/16, then 5/18 so one and so forth, changing every 2 days to another 2 days.
The most current state was due 5/28, and today it moved to 5/30....like clockwork.
I have put my VIN in the tracker so many times I have it memorized.

But, it seems to be a thing for all dealerships in my area.
Of the 5 dealerships within 50 miles of me, none of them have any Tuscons, they are all "In Transit", with dates that keep changing like mine.

It will be here....eventually....and it will be glorious.

That seems a common theme, even when you have a VIN for your Tucson. Hyundai, like everyone else , is having troubles getting enough drivers to pickup the vehicles at the rail & ship yards and transport to the dealers. I’m a retired truck driver and even years back, there is always been driver shortages. This strange new business climate we’re in just makes it even worse.

 

[Tampa8]

I might have bought the Hybrid if they were readily available. And in fact as I have mentioned the dealership here has had some and continues to have them available for sale, not everyday but far more often than I see others are saying.

Having the ICE now for awhile I am thrilled I got that instead. Mileage is beyond what I would have hoped for particularly on the highway if I stay below 70 as I see others are saying. I believe I am getting at least as much maybe better MPG highway than the hybrid. Car since the break in period is responsive (no more hesitation) smooth, pretty quiet. Knock on wood very minor problems.
Maybe it was because of the break in period when reviewers online did their reviews and they were right it did have a hesitation, but this 2.5 engine is plenty powerful enough and now runs really well.
From day one till now my overall MPG is at 31.9 and has held there for sometime. But trips can be over 40 MPG easily and we are going on a couple of very long trips coming up soon so that will be a good test of MPG and reliability.

 

[phalkon30]

When I got my 2.5 gas I was getting 25MPG on a good day, but that was in November in WI. Over time it's gotten better and better where I'm getting 35MPG (with AWD!) on country roads consistently and averaging 31MPG overall. We'll see come November if it was cold air/winter fuel or if it was break in period, or both. I'm happy now though, and yeah the power is plenty. I liked the idea of a simple engine and standard automatic from a reliability standpoint too.

 

[22TucLimLvr]

I might have bought the Hybrid if they were readily available. And in fact as I have mentioned the dealership here has had some and continues to have them available for sale, not everyday but far more often than I see others are saying.

Having the ICE now for awhile I am thrilled I got that instead. Mileage is beyond what I would have hoped for particularly on the highway if I stay below 70 as I see others are saying. I believe I am getting at least as much maybe better MPG highway than the hybrid. Car since the break in period is responsive (no more hesitation) smooth, pretty quiet. Knock on wood very minor problems.
Maybe it was because of the break in period when reviewers online did their reviews and they were right it did have a hesitation, but this 2.5 engine is plenty powerful enough and now runs really well.
From day one till now my overall MPG is at 31.9 and has held there for sometime. But trips can be over 40 MPG easily and we are going on a couple of very long trips coming up soon so that will be a good test of MPG and reliability.

That’s awesome!!! So glad to hear that the issues resolved themselves!

 

[BK 22]

Parked next to a new RAV4 today, same color. Very plain exterior, kinda boring looking. Perked inside, yuck! Looked like the interior was designed 10 years ago. I’ve read several reviews that complain about it’s acceleration: they say it has the gruff “Toyota sound”? We’ll, that’s not good! If you’re going to pay that much ( or overpay ) , forget it. Even in our 2.5 model, it’s got a great sound and feel when you put your foot into it.

 

[Kmac]

When I got my 2.5 gas I was getting 25MPG on a good day, but that was in November in WI. Over time it's gotten better and better where I'm getting 35MPG (with AWD!) on country roads consistently and averaging 31MPG overall. We'll see come November if it was cold air/winter fuel or if it was break in period, or both. I'm happy now though, and yeah the power is plenty. I liked the idea of a simple engine and standard automatic from a reliability standpoint too.

This is great news. I'm on my first tank with a disappointing 25mpg! But I know to be patient through the break in period. Comments like yours give me hope for the ~30+ I was buying for!

 

[teebrrron]

Hybrid is terrible, 1.6 motor is garbage plus now they put a battery on it so now it's double bad.
Also there are alot of scientists who believe hybrid, plug in and electric cars have much more emf emitting which could be harmful to biology if you care about that.
Cell phones are good for you compared to electric hybrid cars.
Debatable ofcourse even experts argue about it.
My opinion the base gas 2.5 without any options is the best and most reliable of the Tuscon family.

 

[Alan Sh]

Ah, I see the conspiracy theorists have arrived . Please provide proof of your allegations.

 

[BK 22]

Hybrid is terrible, 1.6 motor is garbage plus now they put a battery on it so now it's double bad.
Also there are alot of scientists who believe hybrid, plug in and electric cars have much more emf emitting which could be harmful to biology if you care about that.
Cell phones are good for you compared to electric hybrid cars.
Debatable ofcourse even experts argue about it.
My opinion the base gas 2.5 without any options is the best and most reliable of the Tuscon family.

As a 2.5 owner, I agree with having a tried and true engine. I hate being the beta tested for new engine ( hybrid ).
As for the cell comparison to a hybrid, I’m scratching my head on that one. Umm, can’t drive a cell phone, hybrid make lousy phones . Let me work on this. There must be a connection somewhere 😳🥺!

 

[teebrrron]

Ah, I see the conspiracy theorists have arrived . Please provide proof of your allegations.

Sure I can, but do you have google?? There's hundreds of books on Amazon too if you're interested in your health. But I' will share a link with you,

Hybrid & Electric Cars: Electromagnetic Radiation Risks

How much exposure is there to electric and magnetic fields in automobiles, especially hybrid or electric vehicles. Are there health risks?

www.saferemr.com

.